I would really appreciate some advice on how to handle a conversation with my toxic parents. I live about 200 miles from my parents. For the past year or so I've reduce the frequency of my phone calls. However I've still kept to a regular schedule. Last week I was "due" to call them. But I didn't, as I was busy. 1.5 hours after I would normally call them I received a phone call. Another call followed later that day. I didn't pick up as I was busy. Nor did I call back. Messages were left on my answer phone, they claimed to be "wondering how I was". That is their standard pretext. This time I did not react to it. Anyway when I call them tomorrow I fully expect to be confronted about it. I would like to respond in a neutral way rather than be drawn into an argument or apologising/justifying myself. I would be most grateful for any advice on the best way to handle this